Grim's Furry Tales

‘Grim’s Furry Tales’ is a series of three short comedies by WA’s renowned Johnny Grim and presented by his company A Lad in Sane Productions. They are being performed at 8.00 pm nightly at the Old Mill Theatre, in South Perth until this Saturday, 23^rd August.

First – the bad news
‘The giant’. Inspired by the comedy series ‘Extras’, talent agent, Steve, owner of the ‘Elite Film Television and Stage Academy,’ learns that his untalented client, Danny, has scored a feature film role. Danny decides not to accept the part, much to the bewilderment of Steve. Can Steve convince him that he is passing on the chance of a lifetime?
Sadly this half hour play had a poor storyline, acting was weak – possibly due to the poor direction, and wasn’t particularly funny. Just didn’t work.

Inspired by the comedy series ‘Extras’, talent , Steve, owner of the ‘Elite Film Television and Stage Academy,’ learns that his untalented client, Danny, has scored a feature film role. Danny decides not to accept the part, much to the bewilderment of Steve. Can Steve convince him that he is passing on the chance of a lifetime?

Now the VERY good news
‘No strings attached’. Through the use of two marionettes. the writer considers the thoughts and feelings of those individuals in their twilight years, as the world rapidly changes leaving them behind. ‘Flip’ (Ray Condy) the older of the two puppets is depressed at his prospects. His ever optimistic sidekick, ‘Scratch’ (Will Gawned) cheers him up.
This touching tale, reminiscent of Mel Ferrer’s puppet show in the 1953 film ‘Lili’, made its debut as part of the Perth 2007 Dramafest. Sensitively written, filled with puns and humour. The two actors were spot on with their characterisations. A truly magical play well acted.
‘Stairway to Heaven’. When we die, we simply go down the long tunnel of light to heaven – or do we? Here we join rough bikie, Robbie (Greg Ross) as he sits at the Pearly Gates waiting for Gabriel (Tim Prosser) to categorise him, when insipid Alfred (Jim Barton) arrives. The shy newcomer has a brief lecture on how Heaven works.
Very funny script, well thought-out characters, beautifully portrayed by a well selected cast. It is hard to believe that this was Jim’s first play. The timing was excellent. A fun filled performance by the entire cast. Hilarious.
Through the use of two marionettes. the writer considers the thoughts and feelings of those individuals in their twilight years, as the world rapidly changes leaving them behind. ‘Flip’ (Ray Condy) the older of the two puppets is depressed at his prospects. His ever optimistic sidekick, ‘Scratch’ (Will Gawned) cheers him up. This touching tale, reminiscent of Mel Ferrer’s puppet show in the 1953 film ‘Lili’, made its debut as part of the Perth 2007 Dramafest. Sensitively written, filled with puns and humour. The two actors were spot on with their characterisations. A truly magical play well acted. When we die, we simply go down the long tunnel of light to heaven – or do we? Here we join rough bikie, Robbie (Greg Ross) as he sits at the Pearly Gates waiting for Gabriel (Tim Prosser) to categorise him, when insipid Alfred (Jim Barton) arrives. The shy newcomer has a brief lecture on how Heaven works.Very funny script, well thought-out characters, beautifully portrayed by a well selected cast. It is hard to believe that this was Jim’s first play. The timing was excellent. A fun filled performance by the entire cast. Hilarious.

This production, like the shows 'The Karaoke Twist' and ‘The Trial of Wild Gil Hiccup' come from the pen of Johnny Grim, who is never afraid to stretch the rules of logic and absurdism as he produces his ‘Carry on …’ style shows.
My advice is miss the first show and thoroughly enjoy the last two.

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